SHI accepting applications for college, voc-tech scholarships

Posted: January 23, 2014 - 1:03am

Sealaska Heritage Institute is accepting scholarship applications for the 2014-2015 school year.

The deadline to apply is March 1, 2014. However, the institute is offering a $50 incentive to those who complete their scholarship application on or before Feb. 1 and who are accepted as scholarship recipients; if selected as a recipient, the $50 will be included in their scholarship award. Scholarships must be filled out and submitted online from SHI’s website, www.sealaskaheritage.org.

Awards will be made to Sealaska shareholders and descendants enrolled in accredited colleges, universities and voc-tech schools. The scholarships are given to roughly 400 students per year.

Most scholarship funds awarded are provided by Sealaska Corporation from an endowment and corporate 7(i) sharing provisions established under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act. The Section 7(i) Agreement among the regional corporations provides scholarships to students seeking degrees in disciplines that lead to employment in Sealaska or its subsidiaries.

Sealaska Heritage Institute was founded in 1980 to promote cultural diversity and cross-cultural understanding. The institute is governed by a Board of Trustees and guided by a Council of Traditional Scholars. Its mission is to perpetuate and enhance Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian cultures of Southeast Alaska.